Quick Edit | A super clever tax

Indian cricket has never had it so bad. The national cricket team is on the verge of suffering one of its most humiliating defeats, including in the one-day series—only months after it was crowned World Cup champions. And now the Tamil Nadu government led by J. Jayalalithaa has imposed a 25% entertainment tax on the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisee in Chennai; legislation to the effect was approved by the assembly on Wednesday.

IPL may baulk, but it is a clever move that is likely to be emulated by other states that host popular franchisees like the Chennai Super Kings; their popularity will ensure that the club does not flee to friendlier regimes. Not only does it provide cash-strapped Tamil Nadu some extra receipts, it will also help Jayalalithaa score some brownie points with the core base of her political constituency.